The proposed changes will need approval from RPS members through a vote, which is anticipated in early 2025
The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists in Great Britain, has today announced its proposal to transition into a royal college, becoming the Royal College of Pharmacy.
This move follows an 18-month independent review of the RPS constitution and governance and is aimed at strengthening the RPS's leadership role to better support its members.
The organisation proposes to enhance its core activities in education, assessment, credentialing, and setting professional standards, ultimately benefiting patients and the public.
Under the proposed new structure, the RPS’s knowledge business, Pharmaceutical Press, would become a wholly owned subsidiary called Pharmaceutical Press Ltd, accountable to the charitable body of the Royal College of Pharmacy.
RPS President Professor Claire Anderson said: "Pharmacy is changing rapidly and the expectations placed upon pharmacists and the wider pharmacy team will have profound repercussions in terms of delivering patient care.
“It’s time for pharmacy to take its place alongside other health and medical professional leadership bodies and for RPS to become the Royal College of Pharmacy.”
She added that the transformation to a Royal College will reinforce the RPS’s mission and enhance its capacity.
“Becoming a Royal College is a natural progression, reinforcing our commitment to our members and enhancing our capacity to serve patients and the public.
“It will empower us to better advocate for pharmacy and deliver our mission and vision; ensuring that we are always at the forefront of the safe and effective use of medicines.”
RPS plans to hold a series of engagement events across Great Britain starting in October and running over two months to provide details about the proposed changes and gather feedback.
The proposed changes will require approval from RPS members through a vote before they can be submitted to the Privy Council for amendments to the organisation's current Royal Charter and to charity regulators.
The vote is anticipated to take place in early 2025, with a two-thirds majority needed from voting members to move the changes forward.
RPS Chief Executive Paul Bennett emphasised that the proposed change in status reflects the organisation's commitment to upholding the highest standards of professional leadership and patient care.
“It will enable us to be more agile, collaborative and influential across healthcare. As a Royal College, we will have a stronger platform to advance the profession, push for the best possible outcomes for patients and support our members through a rapidly evolving environment,” he said.
The RPS is inviting feedback from the pharmacy community on these proposals and encourages everyone to participate in shaping the organisation’s future.
Sukhi Basra